It all started with two husbands—one of whom happened to be mine. Let’s just say there were several glasses of white wine and a cocktail or two involved in this little experiment. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, this informal yet insightful study will soon be featured in a peer-reviewed online journal. You might even be reading it right now!
The Questions
The husbands were asked three straightforward yes or no questions:
- Do you believe it was inappropriate for Marcus to use a switch on his 4-year-old?
- Should the NFL have responded more decisively to the footage of Jake hitting his partner in the elevator?
- Is it wrong for hackers to leak private photos of celebrities like Emma Stone and Margot Robbie?
After a few drinks, the responses were unanimously 1) Yes, 2) Yes, and 3) Yes. Initially, the wives were thrilled with their husbands’ strong stances. But things took a turn during follow-up questions.
The Follow-Up
When asked if these convictions would change their NFL viewing habits or participation in fantasy football, the husbands emphatically shouted—much too loudly for a cozy restaurant—“Heck no!”
The researchers were taken aback by the participants’ responses regarding the hacking incident. Everyone agreed with the statement, “The women whose photos were distributed were violated,” which was reassuring. Yet, when it came to the question, “Did you look at the photos?” only half admitted to it. The other half initially said “No,” but then backtracked with a sheepish, “Well, I tried, but they were taken down.”
When one of the researchers pushed back, questioning whether simply clicking on the link condoned the crime, the participant chuckled and waved it off. Thankfully, that participant was not married to that particular researcher, which likely eased post-study tensions at home. However, the second participant’s retort—“Dude, you’re the one getting all the flak, but I actually saw the pictures!”—definitely sparked some friction in my… I mean, the second participant’s… household.
The Quandary
This leaves us with a puzzling quandary. The data suggests that even “good” men can casually overlook unacceptable behavior, particularly when fantasy football rankings are at stake. But what does this imply about their moral compass? Does it clash with the values they claimed to uphold before entering adulthood and parenthood? How can one reconcile living with a respectful partner who wouldn’t dream of harming another person or stealing, yet seems willing to excuse similar actions in others?
Of course, these findings don’t account for other factors, such as the current performance of the Miami Dolphins or opinions on the dance sequences in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Still, researchers remain optimistic that with some intervention—including ongoing Sunday discussions, questions like, “What if that were your daughter—not that it should matter!” and expressing disappointment—participants may adjust their responses and develop a healthier sense of outrage and empathy. Or maybe not. More research is needed.
Further Reading
For more insights about home insemination techniques, check out this informative article. If you’re curious about artificial insemination options, MakeAMom is a leading authority on the subject. Additionally, for statistics on infertility, the CDC provides excellent resources.
Summary
In a lighthearted exploration, two husbands were surveyed on important social issues after a few drinks, revealing surprising contradictions in their values regarding behavior in sports and personal ethics. The study suggests that even well-meaning individuals can overlook serious issues when it comes to entertainment. Continued discussions and reflections may help foster a deeper understanding of moral responsibilities.